“The End Is Very Near”: Matt Vaile Chases Eternal MMA Title at Eternal 98

Veteran Seeks One More Crown

Matt “The Viper” Vaile has done just about everything there is to do in Australian MMA. A former Hex welterweight champion and the current Diamondback titleholder, the 34-year-old has tested himself against the best in the region. But one belt has always eluded him — the Eternal MMA welterweight championship.

On September 13 at Southport Sharks, Vaile headlines Eternal MMA 98 against David “The Smiling Assassin” Martinez. For the veteran, it’s the fight that still excites him.

“I’m Just Enjoying It Now”

Vaile has been candid about his future. He admits that “the end is very near”, but says that’s actually freeing. No longer chasing UFC contracts or international acclaim, he fights now for the love of the game.

“I’m just more so enjoying it now rather than having a goal in mind of like I need to get somewhere,”

Vaile said on the Australian MMA Podcast.

That new mindset has fueled a career resurgence, including a dominant stoppage win over Lyall Karam for the Diamondback strap.

Why This Fight Matters

This title opportunity feels like unfinished business. Vaile was previously scheduled to fight Joseph Luciano for the Eternal crown before the matchup fell through. Now, against Martinez, he gets the full-circle chance to claim one of the region’s most prestigious belts.

Victory would also add to his already crowded trophy shelf, making the Eternal belt his fourth career title across major Australian promotions.

The Martinez Puzzle

Martinez enters with serious momentum. A relentless grappler with ever-improving striking, he has earned a reputation as one of the toughest outs in the country. His pressure-heavy style has broken many opponents — but Vaile believes it creates openings.

“Pressure just gives me more opportunities to knock him out,”

he explained.

It’s striker vs grappler at the highest level of regional MMA, and both men know a finish is possible.

What’s Next for “The Viper”?

Retirement could come soon, but not just yet. Vaile has made it clear he won’t fight “for pennies” or against opponents who don’t excite him. He’s even floated the idea of fighting overseas or taking part in a PFL-style tournament if the right chance comes along.

For now, though, the Eternal MMA welterweight title is all that matters. If this is the beginning of the end, Vaile intends to go out swinging, in the kind of fight that brought him into the sport in the first place.

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